Friday, December 28, 2012

My buddy, Jack, arranged for his buddies, the Vollman brothers, to play at the ski hill over the holidays. He'd asked if I would cover during their break.

After enjoying the awesome vocals of the boys' first set, it's my turn.

I sing Denver's "Country Roads", Dylan's, "It Ain't Me Babe", Prine's "Angel from Montgomery", Spektor's "The Call". The lounge is louder than my usually coffee house quiet; maybe should have picked some boisterous songs, like my Irish sing-alongs, "What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor". (Darryn Brooks and Curtis Russel still haven't recovered from my debut at Bounty Fishn' Chips two summers ago.)

"This next song is going out to Chief Theresa Spence out in Ottawa while she's on her hunger strike," I say into the microphone, and then sing another Dylan. "How many roads must a man walk down, before you call him a man." It's the least I can do today, three days after enjoying my Christmas Dinner while Chief Spence went without.

By the time Michael was done his movie and was coming to bed last night, I was in full hate of almost everyone and everything. I hate this, I hate that, and I'm so helpless and at the end of my rope, and what good does anything do anyone anyway. Michael listens and supports and I fall asleep realizing that we are all called to the battle in front of us, and Chief Spence has been prepared for the stand she is taking, she has the support around her that she needs, and I can keep praying and calling from my distance, but I must respect my limitations.

It's late Friday afternoon. I've been off computer, email, facebook, phone, and technology all day. Moira brings me the phone.

"Hello, Sheena. It's Cam Broten. Sorry I've taken so long to get back to you."

He asks how my Christmas was and if I had lots of family home. I ramble my responses while wracking my brain trying to remember how I know Cam. He seems so familiar.

There's a lull in the greetings. "So, I sent you a message last week, right?" I say.

"Yes, you emailed and left a message at my constituency office."

Okay, game on, I think, resisting the temptation to feel really stupid for not even recognizing his name.

"Thank you for returning my call. I'm following up with our provincial leadership, asking what we're doing to support Chief Spence."

Cam talks about how he is spreading the word in Saskatoon, rallying people within his connections in support of Chief Spence. He notes that his federal NDP colleagues are on the ground in Ottawa, in solidarity, some having met with Chief Spence themselves.

"Let me ask you a question," says Cam. "What else do you see that I could be doing?"

"Well, are you utilizing any contacts that you might have in Ottawa, like an Auntie who lives near parliament hill, or what about cross party contacts, people with whom you may have an ear, in Ottawa or provincially."

Cam figures he'll be able to bring this up with people cross party boundaries, especially as the situation is intensifying.

"And another thing I believe we need to address provincially is funding of First Nations education. For example, I live in Fort Qu'Appelle, but kids going to Chief Ben Pasqua First Nation School and Standing Buffalo School, just down the road are funded two thousand dollars less than my kids in the provincial system. That's just wrong. I am proud of my province, but I'm tired of us pointing the finger at Ottawa saying, 'that's their responsibility' when those are my neighbour's kids we're talking about. I think we should be topping up Saskatchewan First Nations education."

Cam listens and adds his own insights, how he is very encouraged by the grass roots engagement of young people and people of all nations adding their voices. He says the flash mobs in Saskatoon have been great, getting awareness and solidarity. He thanks me for phoning and engaging. He says this is encouraging.

I thank Cam again and bring up the topic of public service, that our elected officials are servants of the people. He agrees. We offer Happy New Years and the conversation is over.

Somewhere in our conversation I had started taking notes because I'd messaged that I'll be tracking response on my blog. The last thing I have written on my note sheet is a quote from Cam about Idle No More. "This thing has legs," says Mr. Broten.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Sheena, I don't understand your motive for
this letter, and am immensely curious. Why do you think our First Nations
brothers and sister would ask us to leave? I would hope they would ask us to
join? Also, why Norway?

Hey, Kate. Mostly being cheeky with my letter to Norway saying that we are technically in breach of contract and it would be within the FN treaty partner's right to say, "You don't pay up, you have to leave." :) Trying to say something new, bring more advocates to the table, see if anyone with power is listening. I think Harper may listen to the international community more than us because it's not an election year...

I do like your idea of asking other federal governments for input. I worry about keeping it positive though is all and showing solidarity as opposed to more division of any kind, but I get the cheeky angle. :)

I just think we need to get as many angles going as possible because I'm not sure what will stick, what will actually be listened to. I know it's a little risky using sarcasm or humour... but I don't have a review committee, I'm just putting it out there. feeling a little fragile tonight, exhausted, etc. uggg.

Yes I understand. Got to keep personal perspective too. I realized I needed to do what I can and not necessarily all that I want. So I have picked three things for now. 1) Keeping posted about rallies I may be able to attend and or help in. 2) writing one letter/email per day. 3) wearing my little homemade pin with your quote "Nation to Nation Servant to Servant Harper meet Spence". this I will wear until Harper meets with her. I may change or add to or subtract from my participation but for today (all that I have) this is what I can do, for if I let my self or my family out of the picture, I will be missing part of what matters. You are precious and perfect. Hug the youth in your house for this is why Chief Spence does what she does. For the youth. Breathe and wrap your arms around your own heart too. much love :)

Ah, Kate. Thank you. This is what I did today. I took an email/facebook/computer break and did housework. I feel way better now. I also heard back from the first MLA, an NDP guy from Saskatoon, so I feel like someone is listening. We're off to the farm tomorrow, so there will be more downtime. I really appreciate your three prong approach. That's just awesome. I sang tonight at the ski hill, so that was an outlet, too. just rambling now. Looking at dresses with victoria. By the way, you and Daisy are on our invitation list. Yay!!!! Hugs to you and your beautiful ones. Let's coffee date sometime soon. I see you as a "critical friend" (this is an action research term which means a mentor-friend who not only supports, but challenges... does not mean negative but seeing all sides.) Love you. Sheena

I am a Canadian; however, my country is in trouble. I turn
to you first, the country of Norway, because both of my grandmothers’ people
are from your great land. We need your help; my family, daughters, nieces and nephews
may need a homeland given the current state of affairs in Canada.

There is an uprising in Canada, which is gaining momentum
world-wide, called Idle No More. I am not a lawyer, historian, or politician,
but this is how I understand the situation. Given an overwhelming parade of
alien explorers, profiteers, business, religion, and eventually settlers, many,
but not all of the First Nations people of this land signed treaties with the
British Crown. The treaties were nation to nation agreements to ensure the
rights and responsibilities of getting along together, sharing the land, and
making a living.

As you know, Canada is now considered to be one of the best
countries world-wide; however, the United Nations is investigating the reality
of this claim. Canada, now representing the Crown, is not living up to treaty
implementation. In fact, Canada’s treaty partners, many of the First Nations,
are living much, much below the economic standards of other Canadians. As
experts investigate this complex duality, fingers are pointing at unimplemented
treaty responsibilities.

Most recently, a bill was passed in Canada’s House of
Commons, Bill C-45, which impacts a wide variety of issues. Many of the topics
should have had consultation from First Nation treaty partners, but the
Canadian government passed the bill without allowing First Nations to fulfill
their responsibility to their people, land, and economy.

With great moral authority, Chief Theresa Spence is in her
third week of a hunger strike, calling for a nation –to-nation meeting with the
Prime Minister of Canada, but he is denying this meeting. People of all nations
are rallying around Chief Spence and the Idle No More movement.

I am contacting you, The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, for
two reasons. One, will you advocate with your government to contact our Prime
Minister requesting him to meet with Chief Spence? Two, will you consider mass
immigration of Canadians given that Canada’s Crown is in breach of contract,
because what will we do if the First Nations ask us to leave?

Monday, December 24, 2012

I woke up this morning with the same prayer, the one I fell asleep to last night, on the eve of Jesus' birthday, I am praying in His name that our Chief Minister, our Servant Leader, Mr. Harper's heart will soften. I am praying that Chief Spence's health will strengthen.

As I wrap gifts, as I drink coffee, as I wash dishes, as I do laundry, as I plug in the Christmas tree, as I hug my daughters, as I hold my husband's hand, as I phone friends and loved ones, as I check facebook, as I text Keitha, as I wait for Mom, Dad, Andrea, and Arwen, as we celebrate Christmas Eve, as I tease Tyler, as we leave stockings out for Santa, as I go to sleep, I will keep this prayer broadcasting from my heart. Today, may I be a walking prayer.

I want to acknowledge both your email and the message you left on the phone at the Constituency Office but I did want to advise you that Mr. Nilson is away until the New Year but I will ensure he is aware of your concerns upon his return.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Yesterday I put one of our signs, "Nation-to-Nation, Harper Meet Spence," in the back window of Victoria's Cressida as she drove Moira, Sweet, Kevin and me to meet up with the family in Regina to watch The Hobbit. I rode shot-gun, finishing my phoning list on my cell phone.

I left messages with David Forbes of Saskatoon and Hon. Donna Harpauer of Humboldt. Said something like, "My name is Sheena Koops. I am following up on an email I sent you and a letter I delivered to the legislative steps yesterday regarding Chief Theresa Spence's hunger strike. I want us to utilize our constituent emails and contacts, encouraging them to contact Prime Minister Harper. I want you to utilize your Ottawa contacts to get some movement from Harper to meet with Chief Spence."

Victoria, my oldest, turned the heat down so I could hear the messages and know when the beep came so I could talk. The kids in the backseat were listening to music, headphones on, ignoring us.

The phone rang and rang and rang with no answering machine at Nancy Heppner of Martensville; Ken Krawetz of Canora; Russ Marchuk of Regia; Tim McMillan of Lloydminster; Don McMorris of Indian Head; Don Morgan of Saskatoon; Jim Reiter of Rosetown; and Gordon Wyant of Saskatoon.

In between calls, Victoria and I talked about what it would take Harper to soften his heart. Victoria was angry, feeling like Harper was assisting in suicide.

I left a message with Warren McCall of Moose Jaw thanking him for speaking from his heart at the Idle No More gathering on the steps of the legislative assembly. I encouraged him to utilize all his contacts to get movement on this urgent matter.

Victoria told me she was proud of me. I felt good that my kids were seeing me figure out how to be involved. "I've never written to the Prime Minsiter or Premier before," I said.

I left messages with John Nills of Regina, Cathy Sproule of Saskatoon; Lyle Stewart of Thunder Creek; and Christine Tell of Regina Wascana.

Every now and then, Victoria turned turned the heat because our feet were freezing.

Doyle Vermette of Cumberlan's message freaked me out because it was in French (unless I called the wrong number) so I left a pretty disjointed message. And Randy Weekes of Biggar he had a 798 number, so I tried the prefix 787, but that didn't work either.

Finally, as we pulled into Regina, I left a message with Trent Wotherspoon of Regina Rosemont, thanking him for delivering my letters yesterday at the legislative assembly and his support at the Idle No More walk.

We went to The Hobbit, fifteen strong, Dad staying at Andrea's with baby Neve. We opened some gifts afterward with my brother's family, and then it was home by midnight.

This morning at our Sunday Circle, Trudine said, "We need to pray that something will change in Harper's heart." Ellen said, "I woke up this morning and started praying for Chief Spence."

Reminds me of a sign at the Idle No More walk that said something like, "The Creator is more powerful than Harper."

I admit my powerlessness. I call on my Creator. As a follower of Jesus, I pray in his name because I believe he has already beat the darkness.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

I am phoning and leaving messages. I know it's Saturday, but I am desperate to find any settler Canadian who will use his or her influence and networks to get through to Prime Minister Harper. We have an introduction to make.

I call the Minister of the Environment, Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff from Saskatoon and leave a message. Herb Cox, Mark Docherty, Larry Doke, and Doreen Eagles all have the 787-4300 number listed and I've already left a message there.

The Speaker of the House, Hon Dan D'Autremont has a message for me that he is away until January 2nd, but that he'll be monitoring calls and will call back if it is an emergency. Hon. Dan D'Autremont, this is an emergency!

Hon. Kevin Doherty and Hon. June Draude's phone rings and rings and rings. No answer. No message left.

I leave a message on Health Minister, the Hon. Dustin Duncan's line. Then I get through to an executive assistant at Wayne Elhard's number. She wonders how I got her number, then, when I tell her the number, she sees that her calls are being forwarded. She listens as I explain my concern for Chief Spence. She reminds me that it is Saturday and the beginning of holidays. I tell her I realize this, but that there are bigger things going on. I complain a little too, that I'm a teacher, and I'm tired, but there is a woman willing to die for her people on a hunger strike, and what are we doing about that?

She tells me she will forward anything I wish to send to his Honour Wayne Elhard. I thank her for taking my call.

Subject Line: Settlers in Solidarity with Chief Spence

Dear Office of the Hon. Wayne Elhard:

Thank you so much for taking my phone call earlier today.

As per the email I sent yesterday and the hard copy letter I delivered for
you to the legislature at the Idle No More walk in Regina, I want you to ask
your MLAs if they are doing everything in their power to intervene on behalf of
Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat First Nation as she nears her third week of
a hunger strike?

Have they written a letter to Prime Minister Harper and the leaders of
official parties?

Have they phoned their Ottawa contacts, networking at every level?

Have they utilized their email and phoning trees encouraging their
constituents to write, walk, phone on behalf of Chief Spence?

Have they fasted and/or prayed? (not to be answered, but to be considered).

Please forward my two letters to anyone who wishes to write to Prime Minister
Harper and to Premier Brad. They may use any of my words in the letter as their
own.

Please note, I will be updating my phoning campaign results on my blog. www.treatywalks.blogspot.com Thank you for taking my call and
for all you do as a public servant. I know it's a Saturday and the beginning of
the Christmas Holiday, but how are we going to sit down to our Christmas Dinner
if Chief Spence is not able to enjoy the same with her family?

Yesterday we stood on the frozen ground in front of the one hundred year old limestone legislature, waving signs and listening to elders, chiefs, and politicians. Andrea, Char and I stood at the back with the sign Michael made, "We Are All Treaty People" in black, yellow, white and red.

I drove home with Marg and found nobody along highway one, and we were cold and tired, so we turned onto highway ten, home to the Qu'Appelle Valley. At the house my daughters had cleaned and baked all day for their long-anticipated, by-invitation, dress-up Christmas party. I broke my twenty-four hour fast in solidarity with Chief Spence with a donut hole, rolled in crushed candy cane, my daughter made from scratch. I had a hot bath and went to bed, waking up with the sound of doorbells, boots scuffling, and giddy laughter.

This morning I wake up to a tidied house. I make some coffee. So much to be thankful in my warm home, full of baking and love.

But then my heart quiets, and I listen to a long-distant call, way over in Ottawa, from a woman who is ready to die for her people, now nearing the third week of her hunger strike.

"I will initiate a phoning campaign to follow-up on what my provincial leaders have done toward this essential meeting," I said in my letter to the Saskatchewan MLAs and Premier Wall. "I urge you to utilize your influence with Canada's prime Minister and ensure he meets immediately with Chief Spence, servant -to-servant, nation-to-nation."

I start alphabetically. Buckley Belanger from Athabaska speaks his own name of the message manager, but his mailbox is full. Bob Bjornerud of Melville-Saltcoats, his number, 787-4300, is a caucus number, so I leave a message. Bill Boyd of Kindersley, his message says that "this is not a valid mailbox number." Fred Bradshaw of Carrot River and Greg Brkich of Arm River both list 787-4300, so I've already left a message. Cam Broten leaves a message forwarding to his constituency office in Saskatoon Massey Place. I phone that number and leave a message. Jennifer Campeau of Saskatoon Fairview also has the 787-4300 number.

I call Danielle Chartier's from Saskatoon Riversdale. Her leg. number forwards me to her constituency number which says, "if you have an emergency" call the NDP caucus office. I think, we have an emergency, I'm calling. The caucus number's message is from Cheryl Stecyk who says that we can try to reach her on her cell. I call. She answers.

I tell her that I have emailed all the provincial MLAs and hand-delivered their hard copies to Trent Wotherspoon who was on the steps of the legislature yesterday -- his white ears turning pinker and pinker without a toque -- at the Idle No More Regina Walk. Cheryl listens.

I tell her that I'm very concerned about Chief Spence on her hunger strike and I'm initiating a phoning campaign to track what our provincial leaders are doing in response to this urgent situation. I also tell her that I'm a blogger and I'll be sharing the responses on my blog. Cheryl listens and then asks, "Okay, so what is it that you want me to do?" Good question, I think.

Dear Cheryl,

I want you to ask your nine NDP MLAs if they are doing everything in their power to intervene on behalf of Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat First Nation as she nears her third week of a hunger strike?

Have they written a letter to Prime Minister Harper and the leaders of official parties?

Have they phoned their Ottawa contacts, networking at every level?

Have they utilized their email and phoning trees encouraging their constituents to write, walk, phone on behalf of Chief Spence?

Have they fasted and/or prayed? (not to be answered, but to be considered).

Please forward my two letters to anyone who wishes to write to Prime Minister Harper and to Premier Brad. They may use any of my words in the letter as their own.

Please send along thanks to both Warren McCall and Trent Wotherspoon who were on the steps of the leg yesterday in solidarity with Chief Spence and Idle No More. Also, Trent told me that Thomas Mulcair and others have met with Chief Spence in Ottawa. Please send along thanks in any communication you may have with your Ottawa contacts.

As a Settler in Solidarity with Chief Spence,
Sheena Koops
Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan

Listening to Elder Mike Pinay with Blair and Andrea at Angus and 5th.

﻿

Char and I posing on Albert Street Bridge after the Friendship Round Dance.

At the Saskatchewan Legislature with Andrea

(thanks Bernadette for the great picture).

Our view at the Legislative building.

Marg, Sue and I met at the Outreach in Fort Qu'Appelle before the Idle No More Regina Walk to write letters, share our information, share community with our friends at the Outreach, and launch our Idle No More plans. Marg drove and I texted all the way into Regina (coordinating with Kate, Andrea, Char, and Jade) while Sue went to The House of Prayer where she was able to take our cause to the highest power.

Friday, December 21, 2012

SheenaI have set my alarm for 11:30I shall be praying for strength,
warmth, and good fellowshipfor those walking the Friendship DanceI shall
be praying for solidarity, courage and wisdomAnd I shall pray for those in
all nationswho have ears but cannot hearI shall pray for you, the first
daughter of my heartAnd for those whom we loveEverywheremum

Thank you for taking the time to write me with your concerns regarding Bill
C-45, the Budget Implementation Act. I share your concern over the provisions
included in Bill C-45.

My New Democrat colleagues and I have been vocal
in our opposition to Bill C-45 since it was first introduced. Both in the House
of Commons and at committee, we have used all of the options available to us
under parliamentary procedure to oppose this bill. We have strongly and
consistently opposed this bill and were extremely disappointed to see it pass in
the House of Commons and in the Senate.

Further, we fully understand that
constitutionally required consultation is more than a means to an end. It is a
demonstration of reconciliation and a continuing effort to bring together First
Nations and other Canadians.

I would like to acknowledge receipt of your e-mail addressed to the Prime
Minister regarding Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First
Nation.

You may be assured that your views have been given careful
consideration. As your comments will also be of interest to the Honourable John
Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, I have taken
the liberty of forwarding a copy of your correspondence to him for his
information.

Dear Premier Wall:
You are Saskatchewan’s Premier Minister. As I know you know, minister means
“servant”.

I believe
leadership is about service as does Attawapiskat First Nation’s Chief Theresa
Spence. I am inspired by her hunger strike, her willingness to suffer for her
people.

I urge you to utilize your
influence with Canada’s Prime Minister and ensure he meets immediately with
Chief Spence, servant-to-servant, nation-to-nation. I will initiate a phoning
campaign to follow-up on what my provincial leaders have done toward this
essential meeting. The time to act is now.

I
recently spoke with a reporter from the Ottawa
Citizen and she called Saskatchewan a trail blazer in treaty awareness.
Although treaty is a federal matter, I challenge all of us to be treaty advocates
in our own communities and then take our grassroots movements to the national
stage, just like the visionary people behind Idle No More with whom I march today and humbly present this
letter.

I
echo the letter sent to Prime Minister Harper by the United Church of Canada: As Assembly of First Nations national Chief
Shawn Atleo said in his December 16 open letter, Chief Spence's hunger strike
calls attention to "the dire conditions which many First Nations
communities and peoples face," and protests "the disrespect and
shameful treatment of First Nations by the Government of Canada."

We urge you to hear, as we do, the pain and
determination that underlie Chief Spence's actions, and her statement that
"I'm willing to die for my people because the pain is too much and it's
time for the government to realize what (it's) doing to us." Her pain is
shared by many Indigenous and their leaders, and by many, many non-Aboriginal
Canadians who wish to end the legacy of colonization, inequality and abuse, and
live in justice and right relations between mainstream Canada and the First Peoples.

We state clearly and unequivocally that we stand in solidarity with Chief Spence's
statement that "Canada is violating the right of Aboriginal peoples to be
self-determining and continues to ignore (their) constitutionally protected
Aboriginal and treaty rights in their lands, waters, and resources."

I believe
leadership is about service as does Attawapiskat First Nation’s Chief Theresa
Spence. I am inspired by her hunger strike, her willingness to suffer for her
people. As Assembly of First Nations national
Chief Shawn Atleo said in his December 16 open letter, Chief Spence's hunger
strike calls attention to "the dire conditions which many First Nations
communities and peoples face," and protests "the disrespect and
shameful treatment of First Nations by the Government of Canada."

I urge you to meet immediately
with Chief Spence, servant-to-servant, nation-to-nation.

I
echo the letter sent by the United Church of Canada:

We urge you to hear, as we do, the pain and
determination that underlie Chief Spence's actions, and her statement that
"I'm willing to die for my people because the pain is too much and it's
time for the government to realize what (it's) doing to us." Her pain is
shared by many Indigenous and their leaders, and by many, many non-Aboriginal
Canadians who wish to end the legacy of colonization, inequality and abuse, and
live in justice and right relations between mainstream Canada and the First Peoples.

We state clearly and unequivocally that we stand in solidarity with Chief Spence's
statement that "Canada is violating the right of Aboriginal peoples to be
self-determining and continues to ignore (their) constitutionally protected
Aboriginal and treaty rights in their lands, waters, and resources."

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Come out and join the Trans Canada Idle No More Coast to Coast Friendship Dance.

Not all of us can make it to Ottawa, but our spirit will.

On Friday December 21st at 12:00 pm many of our people will be participating in a peaceful rally to Parliament Hill. Our Chiefs, Councilors, Elders, family members and friends have made their way to Ottawa to voice opposition to the C-45 government's omnibus legislation. Our people do us proud. They carry with them the legacy of our ancestors, the voices of our people, the stewardship of the land, the survival of our traditions and they secure the gifts that we will give the children for many generations to come. This is a very serious time and it requires our attention.

How can we make sure that our support and concern is shown? It can be done close to home.

Join the Trans-Canada friendship dance along the roadside leading to Ottawa, on Highway 1 and Highway16.

People from all nations can band together to form a link right across Canada- from coast to coast.

All people can organize themselves, identify their place and Nationhood on signs, and a position on the highway closest to their home and make their presence known.

More information about the Ottawa peace rally can be found on facebook at

“Idle no more – Ottawa – Ontario”.

Tell everyone you know about the

Trans-Canada friendship dance. Access to the Internet is very limited for some, so please forward the information on to those that do not have Internet access. Inform them by phone or fax.

This is a peaceful act. It is not blockade. Take care of the aunties, the elders and the young. Talk and listen to the elders. Respect the treaties.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Attached and pasted below you will find a copy of a letter The United Church
of Canada has just sent to Prime Minister Harper urging him to meet with
Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence.

I would encourage you to share this letter as widely as possible, including
posting it on your facebook pages and asking that it be shared as well by
your facebook friends.

You might also email a brief note to Prime Minister Harper (Right Hon.
Stephen Harper <stephen.harper@parl.gc.ca>) asking him to meet with Chief
Spence before he sits down to Christmas dinner with his family, so that she
may be freed to do the same.

to find out about actions being organized for this Friday by this
fast-growing and important social movement. Get involved in any ways you
can. This is a moment of tremendous momentum, and we need to seize the day
and build on that.

If you Twitter, please know that #idlenomore is twitter that is being used
to spread the message across the world. It's working but you could help it
spread even more widely by retweeting (if that's the word I want).

I know many of you are taking these kinds of actions already, and I thank
you for it.

I don't know if you'll take this as a promise or a threat, but I will send
out more material related to Idle No More actions, and to Chief Spence, as I
receive them. I will try to keep it to a dull roar.

Meanwhile, I wish you all a blessed and holy Christmas season, and a joyous,
fulfilling New Year. Thank you for all your ongoing support for this
important work. I must admit, this recent and growing groundswell of
grass-roots action is giving me more cause for hope than I have felt in a
while. You can't see it, but I'm smiling.

Blessings,
John

John Bird, Program Coordinator
Aboriginal Justice and Right Relations
United Church of Canada
3250 Bloor St. W., Suite 300, Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
416-231-7680 or 800-268-3781, Ext. 4045
Cell: 416-988-5310
jbird@united-church.ca

================================

UNFORMATTED TEXT OF LETTER

December 19, 2012

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada
House of Commons,
Ottawa, Ontario
Fax: 613-941-6900

Dear Prime Minister Harper:

We write with urgency to implore you to meet with Attawapiskat First Nation
Chief Theresa Spence as soon as possible. We are very concerned for her
wellbeing in the second week of her hunger strike.

We share Chief Spence's extreme frustration about your government's many
recent cuts to social programs, and actions like the just-passed omnibus
Bill C-45. As Assembly of First Nations national Chief Shawn Atleo said in
his December 16 open letter, Chief Spence's hunger strike calls attention to
"the dire conditions which many First Nations communities and peoples
face,"
and protests "the disrespect and shameful treatment of First Nations by
the
Government of Canada."

We urge you to hear, as we do, the pain and determination that underlie
Chief Spence's actions, and her statement that "I'm willing to die for my
people because the pain is too much and it's time for the government to
realize what (it's) doing to us." Her pain is shared by many Indigenous
communities and their leaders, and by many, many non-Aboriginal Canadians
who wish to end the legacy of colonization, inequality and abuse, and live
in justice and right relations between mainstream Canada and the First
Peoples.

We state clearly and unequivocally that we stand in solidarity with Chief
Spence's statement that "Canada is violating the right of Aboriginal
peoples
to be self-determining and continues to ignore (their) constitutionally
protected Aboriginal and treaty rights in their lands, waters, and
resources."

As one of the Christian bodies that ran Indian Residential Schools in
collaboration with the Canadian government, The United Church of Canada
shares Canada's colonial legacy. In 1986, our denomination apologized to
Aboriginal peoples for confusing "Western ways and culture with the depth
and breadth and length and height of the gospel of Christ." In 1998, we
apologized specifically to former residential schools students and their
families, for the damage we inflicted in the residential schools process.

-2-

The challenge to all of us is to walk the road of justice and
reconciliation. We encourage you to meet in good faith with Chief Spence
before her health is further endangered by this hunger strike.

In faith,

Ray Jones,
Chair, Aboriginal Ministries Council
The United Church of Canada

The Rev. Bruce Gregersen,
General Council Officer, Programs
The United Church of Canada

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

It's ten a.m. The turkeys and hams are almost ready to be carved. The potatoes, turnips, and yams are boiling. The gravy is bubbling. The corn, stuffing and perogies are ready for the oven. The cranberries are wiggling in jelly. The buns are buttered. The Santa bags are ready for pick up. I taste the homemade Caesar salad dressing and I'm in heaven.

But can heaven really be that easy? (And here I go again.)

This is how my mind works. I take a picture -- good or bad -- and I start asking questions.

I'm a worrier. I worry if I take things too lightly. I worry what people think. I worry if my heart is in the right place. I worry if I'm going to spend too much at Christmas. I worry about our Community Outreach. I worry about oppression, racism, mental health. I worry about Chief Spence of Attawapiskat First Nation who is on a hunger strike. I worry about my responsibility to unimplemented treaty. I worry about my job and my church. I worry about my marriage, kids, family, friends.

But one thing I didn't worry about this year was our annual Outreach Christmas Dinner. Keitha -- my organizing partner and dear friend -- and I have learned over the years that it always comes together. This year the first donation was a collection taken at Fort Music's Christmas Concert. Wooo Hooo. It was a surprise.

I love surprises, the good surprises, like that time our Director of Curriculum and Instruction was walking by and one of my students was doing the Sword Dance at the front of my classroom as part of her Macbeth project. I wasn't doing anything extra-ordinary, I was just opening up the space where a student could be herself, but to get "caught" by one of my bosses, witnessing something extra-ordinary, that will always be one of my teaching highs.

When Jason assigned me "Joy" for the 18th on the Advent Blog, I smiled. I knew that was our Outreach Dinner date. It's the perfect combination of topic and event, but I kept thinking about that sheep and goats story from Matthew. I wanted to write about that, too. And if I just talked about how wonderful the Christmas Dinner is, I felt like I wasn't being fully honest because, honestly, I have trouble feeling joyful because of all my worry. In fact, I worry if I'm good enough. I worry if I'm going to heaven. I worry if I'm self-righteous. I often worry away my joy.

It's eleven-thirty and the community is trickling in for lunch. The food carts are being loaded in the Commercial Cooking kitchen. Elders, children, men, and women, all nations are under one roof, at one table, and I take a big, beautiful breath.

"For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you brought Me together with yourselves and welcomed and entertained and lodged Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me with help and ministering care, I was in prison and you came to see Me."

Then the just and upright will answer Him, "Lord, when did we see You hungry and gave You food, or thirsty and gave You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger and welcomed and entertained You, or naked and clothed You? And when did we see You sick or in prison and came to visit You?"

And the King will reply to them, "Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least [in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it for Me." (Matthew 25:35-40, AMP)

It's one-thirty. The tables are being cleared. The left-over food is packaged and sent home with friends and neighbours. Today, I will not worry. I will be joyful. I will remember my Christmas Outreach lesson. I will walk beside humble people. I will follow their lead, praying away my worry. I will be joyful over and over as I hear the King in the voice of the least (in the estimation of men) of these.

Monday, December 17, 2012

we sit in the dark
as the curtain opens
sparkling kids sing
dance and play
a grandfather waving
his hand a silhouette
and the little ones
up on stage can only imagine
our love out here in the
darkness hearts
beating like drums

Thursday, December 13, 2012

I've been complaining about this tooth for two years. It's been drilled and filled. It's been hot and cold, shooting pain down to the roots. A couple weeks ago it cracked and so what did I do? Ignored it for a week, the swelling and bruising giving me headaches. And then, I finally made an appointment at the dentists, and started dreading December 13th.

Keitha and I went shopping tonight for the Community Outreach Christmas Dinner. We have gravy ingredients and Caesar salad fixings. We bought sweet potatoes and turnips. We ordered buns in all shapes and colours to be picked up Tuesday morning, fresh, ready to be buttered.

I was telling Keitha about my tooth woes, and she told me some of hers. We agreed that nobody likes to go to the dentist, but it has to be done, every now and then.

As I'm laying here, my jaw aching from the tooth that was pulled earlier today, I'm thinking about the human habit of ignoring things we know need attention. I'm thinking about the way we have neglected our beautiful peace and friendship treaties, how we've let them erode and deteriorate.

Tonight, Michael, the cousins, and I spent some time in prayer. We will continue to pray for wisdom and health for Chief Spence on her hunger strike, the leaders of Idle No More, healing in our own community, and that our own actions might be part of the rebuilding.

Chief Spence Announces Hunger Strike in Ottawa ATTAWAPISKAT, ON – 11 December 2012. Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat First Nation began a hunger strike today in protest of continuing governmental abuses against First Nations. Chief Spence stated: "Canada is violating the right of Indigenous peoples to be self-determining and continues to ignore our constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights in their lands, waters, and resources."

Chief Spence is profoundly concerned with the hostile and adversarial approach of the Federal Government which is characterized by an intimidating and unilateral approach to working First Nations. Instead of being an advocate of First Nations, the Minister’s office is used to mislead the public about the facts of First Nation social realities and often deflects responsibility by casting blame on First Nations themselves. First Nations are already severely and chronically underfunded on basic essential services like housing, water, food and education. These discriminatory practices have led to the current poverty crisis which impacts many First Nations which often suffer from multiple over-lapping crises in housing, water, sanitation, food insecurity, health and education.

Attawapiskat First Nation previously declared a State of Emergency in housing as some of their members were living in unheated sheds. Instead of offering assistance, Canada illegally placed the community into third-party management despite there being no problems with their audits. Shortly after the court case confirming Canada’s illegal actions, their proposal for housing was denied, leaving many community members without homes this winter.

Canada has since embarked on an aggressive, assimilatory legislative agenda without having first consulted, accommodated and obtained the consent of First Nations as required by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Further, Canada has attempted to silence First Nation voices by cutting essential funding at both the organizational and community levels. This is not what was envisioned in the treaty relationship. Chief Spence feels that this backwards approach is not only poisoning Canada’s relationship with First Nations, but will irrevocably destroy the lands and waters that all Canadians need for sustainability and balance. Canada’s actions against First Nations will impact the future generations of all Canadians. She feels that Canada must withdraw the recent suite of legislation being imposed without First Nation consent and reverse its decision to cut funding to First Nation organizations and communities.

Chief Spence is encouraging First Nation leaders to support her on this hunger strike. She will remain on this hunger strike until both Her Majesty the Queen and the Canadian government agree to meet with First Nation leaders and engage in meaningful dialogue on our rights. Attawapiskat First Nation is a remote, isolated First Nation in North Eastern Ontario, whose traditional territory includes lands around the Attawapiskat and Ekwan river systems in Northern Ontario. They form part of the Cree Nation and are affiliated with the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council.

Attawapiskat First Nation comprises 3,429 band members with approximately 1,800 on-reserve members. Chief Spence also sent an open letter to her membership yesterday (which is attached).For further information, please contact Chief Theresa Spence (807) 629-6704), or by email toTheresa.spence@attawapiskat.org.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Yesterday, Keitha and I bought jube jubes, jelly beans, gummy bears, fuzzy peaches, candy canes, and enough candy to stuff two hundred Santa Bags for our Community Outreach Christmas Dinner. We are so blessed. People keep stepping up with turkeys in one hand and donations in the other.

Yesterday, before I went shopping with Keitha, I was feeling pretty lost in my treaty learnings as people were protesting in the grassroots Idle No More movement across Canada. I haven't kept up with the sweeping changes initiated in Bill C-45 passed last week. I don't know how they exactly have impacted or insulted the treaties. I don't know where I'll find the time to self-educate within this immediate political context. I'm just starting to get my mind wrapped around the past.

But hanging out with Keitha, my friend and big sister, was another humble step in my treaty walk. Keitha Brass is treaty four signator, Chief Ben Pasqua's Great Granddaughter. She and I have planned the Community Outreach Christmas Dinner for Seven years together. Although I have so much to learn about honouring treaty and so much context to grasp, I can take comfort that Keitha and I are walking in peace and friendship, just like the treaties envisioned, friendship as sweet as a gummy bear.

Monday, December 10, 2012

It's Monday night. This morning, I heard something on the radio about a prayer gathering at the Regina Legislature for Idle No More leaders who are protesting Bill C-45 which was rammed through Parliament last week (for which treaty chiefs were not consulted and then were denied access to the chamber where the bill was being passed, if I've got my details straight.)

I am feeling behind in my learning. As I get ready to take my youngest daughter to her dance class, I think to myself, I'm 138 years behind in my learning. That's how long treaty four has been here, and I've just been thinking about my responsibility to treaty for over a year. So maybe I'm just 137 years behind.

How do I support this movement when I am so behind? I don't even know what Idle No More stands for. So here I go. I google "Idle No More Regina" and I find this post at wordpress by Saskboy. Yes there was prayer today in Regina, as well as dancing, speeches, and signs.

And then I read this post at rabble.ca by Nora Loreto who is bringing a non-indigenous perspective to Idle No more. Thank you very much, Nora. I agree with you that newcomer Canadian, settler decendants must learn about treaty and honour these legally binding documents.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

I have been receiving updates from "Idle No More" and I have to admit I wasn't really paying attention until I heard interviews yesterday on the six o'clock news and then saw this picture Kate had posted on facebook.

Then I started reading comments from passionate supporters and some who had big questions. I made a comment, number sixty seven, and I realized I was the first newcomer Canadian to do so. Where are we, the treaty partner? I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for people who truly understand treaty to be stood up like this. It's kind of like one-sided marriage where only one partner if fighting for an equal marriage and the other is just cruising along, calling the shots, oblivious to the power imbalance.

But I can't point fingers. Here I've been hearing about Idle No More and not doing my homework or paying attention. Like Buffy Sainte Marie says in "Universal Soldier", "It comes from him and you and me..."

Here's another wake-up call to me and my immigrant Canadian heritage. As a treaty partner how am I supporting the keepers of the treaties? How am I moving toward treaty implementation which was interrupted by the oppressive Indian Act?

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Yesterday, Dani, a cracker-jack young teacher, called me on the phone just after lunch during my prep. I met Dani -- a good friend of my last intern, Jade -- this past summer at the Treaty Days workshop facilitated by Keitha and me. She and her students had just finished reading my novel, Voice of the Valley. We were supposed to Skype, but I hadn't got my technology together, so we resorted to the good old telephone.

1.How many books are you planning
on writing? - Wyatt

2.Why did you become a writer?* -
Emily

3.What inspired you to write this
book? - Kody

4.How long did this book take you
to write? - Mitch

5.In the dedication for the book,
why did you say “thanks for all the fish” to your parents? - Hussain

6.What’s it like to write books?
Is it hard, fun, etc? - Madison

7.Where did you write the book? -
Sydney

8.What gave you the idea for the
setting? - Austin

9.Tell us about your plans for
the sequel. - Rene

10.Is the book based on you, your
daughter, a friend? Are Onja and Stacy based on people in your real life? -
Madison

11.How many books have you sold
and where is the farthest away place you have sold a book to? - Emily

12.How many pets do you have? -
Nolan

13.Did you like school as a kid? -
Abigail

Then they had a few more questions. One student asked what was my favorite part in the book. I told them about the part where Onja assumed that Etthen would know all about horses because he is First Nations, and Etthen said back, "What, do you think I'm a TV Indian in a Spaghetti Western?"

They also wondered about the sequel, Call to the North, which isn't finished yet. I explained that at the end of the first novel, Onja knows that she has to deal with a changing world, but at the beginning of the sequel, she isn't handling that change well. Her mom and Etthen's mom decide Onja needs to get out of her home community, and that gets her sent to Caribou Crossing, a fictional Dene Community. Onja then sees a community in transition and has to come to terms with some of her own transitions, not without tension and consequence, I might add.

I also told the kids about my proposal for a nonfiction manuscript, with the working title, Treaty Walks: A Newcomers' Story. It has currently passed a first reader at a publishing house and I'll know in a month or so if they want to see the entire manuscript. I still have some work to do on this story, so the kids inspired me to go home last night, and get busy with edits.